CHAD - Colorado Home Access for those with Disabilities

18/02/2026

Hope Larsen with Century21 Altitude has a great home listed in Oliveglen Villas in Aurora that features an elevator among other accessible features.

Welcome to a rare opportunity in one of the area’s most highly desirable communities, where homes are seldom available. This tastefully designed home offers exceptional comfort with a thoughtful blend of accessibility & upgrades. Located in a gated community your home features a handicap-accessible layout serviced by a private elevator for effortless convenience. There is wheelchair accessibility leading to the front door as well as entering from the garage. On the main floor, you’ll find an en suite bedroom with a full bath making it a wonderful guest room or office. The inviting kitchen features 42-inch cabinets, a large island with bar stools included, granite counter tops with beveled edges, under-cabinet lighting, a large eating area & open built-in shelving. The family room which includes the TV also provides access to the large covered private patio which is perfect for entertaining or simply relaxing. The living room & family room are anchored by a stunning pass-through fireplace, creating warmth and versatility. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a luxurious 5-piece bath with a European glass shower, jetted corner soaking tub & dual vanities. Enjoy the convenience of the built in shoe rack, comfort of the ceiling fan & custom walk in closet. There are 2 additional bedrooms on the 3rd level that share a hall bathroom. The over-sized 2-car garage also features an extra storage room. Not only does your home offer low maintenance living but the snow plowing & hand shoveling are also taken care of for you. You can walk straight out of the private neighborhood gates to enjoy the beautiful Carson Park! Want more adventure? You have Cherry Creek State Park just blocks away. In addition to the parks & trails, you have city conveniences, shopping & restaurants close to this private enclave. The home is also located in the award winning Cherry Creek School District. You simply cannot beat this location. Why wait when this very well might be THE ONE!

17/02/2026

“Understanding accessibility, accommodations and inclusion now helps build a future where support is already in place when you need it.”

As I walk through a park, a town, a mall or attend an event, one of the biggest barriers I face is silence.

I pass many people each day, yet very few speak to me. When my white cane is visible, people often do not know what to do or say. Silence feels safer to them. Stepping aside feels polite. Avoiding interaction feels easier than risking a mistake or feeling personal discomfort.

Many assume that being quiet as I pass is helpful. For me, it is not.

What is helpful is a simple hello. When you cannot make visual connections, silence can quickly turn into loneliness and isolation. Neither feels good.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when adults shush children as I approach. Curiosity is natural. Children notice differences and ask honest questions. When adults shut that down, they miss an opportunity to teach connection and instead teach avoidance.

When a child asks, “What is that?” or “Why is she doing that?” they are talking about my white cane. That moment is an invitation and I often take it.

I turn to the child and parent, say “hello I am Gina, i heard you are curios about what I am holding or doing.”
I explain that it is called a cane and it is white to let other know the person using it has low to no vision. I explain that silence is not helpful and that saying hello is like a smile I cannot see. It also opens the door for me to ask a question about my surroundings if I need to.

Sometimes I ask the child if they would like to touch my cane and I explain why it is important to always ask before touching a person or their mobility device. Two or three minutes of conversation can change how that child and that parent interact with the next person who is blind that they meet.

Another common experience is walking into a busy, chatty room and suddenly everything goes quiet. The energy shifts and conversations pause.

I am not contagious nor I am not a threat. I am simply someone using a cane to move safely through my environment.

People who are blind, have low vision or live with other disabilities are not as different as many assume. Our eyes, bodies or brain may work differently but the rest of us is the same.

We have hobbies, talents, jobs and go to school. We have children, pets and families. We travel, try new things and some of us are adventurous. I do everything my sighted peers do, (except drive) sometimes I use different tools, technology or alternative techniques. The outcome is the same, even if the path looks different.

Disability is not something to be afraid of. You cannot catch my blindness but you might gain a friend or an ally if you take the time to connect.

Uncomfortable conversations are necessary if we want to break down barriers created by assumptions, misconceptions and lack of understanding. When we talk to each other and learn how to support one another, it takes the guesswork out and makes difference feel normal rather than awkward.

Many of us are advocating for accessibility because we need it to participate fully. Every person reading this will age. Bodies slow down,
aches and pains increase. Either Vision, Hearing, Memory or Mobility changes. Many people will also experience more than one of these at the same time.

Understanding accessibility, accommodations and inclusion now helps build a future where support is already in place when you need it.

Take time to get to know us as people, not as disabilities. When your own abilities change and they will, you will have much more to talk about than a new diagnosis.

Imagine a world where accessibility is simply part of everyday design. Where no one has to struggle just to participate. Where support is standard rather than requested.

Accessibility benefits everyone and it harms no one. Even when you do not need it, it quietly supports many. Accessibility creates a kinder, more connected society for all of us.

“Having a disability does not change who we are. It changes our interactions with the world.” - Gina Martin
DiverseAbilities.ca






Photo description
Gina is walking along a path near a park. A mother has her arm around her son and they are standing on the grass, to the side so I can pass..

13/02/2026

Today we showed up for Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We spoke with lawmakers about the issues that matter most to our family and community. A meaningful day of advocacy. Thank you to Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for bringing it all together. 💙

13/02/2026

Today we showed up for Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the Capitol. We spoke with lawmakers about the issues that matter most to our family and community. A meaningful day of advocacy. Thank you to Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for bringing it all together. 💙 .H.A.D.

12/02/2026

C.H.A.D. at D-RAD at the Capitol! Ready to meet with our legislators!

09/02/2026

Join us and our friends at @ for a fun night @ next Saturday!

06/02/2026

Partners4Housing just shared a great opportunity with us. Scan the QR code for more information. Hurry! Grant funding ends in June 2026.

04/02/2026

Our friends over at the Troy Hansford team at Remax Professionals have a fantastic 2 bedroom with 2 bath condo that lives large for sale in Aurora at 2028 S Flanders Way Unit , Aurora, CO 80013 for $464,900.

Here's what they had to say;

Welcome to easy, low-maintenance living in this beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home featuring a highly desirable main-floor layout. Thoughtfully built with zero-step entry, wide hallways, and spacious doorways, this home offers both comfort and accessibility. The primary suite is a true retreat with a generous en-suite bath and walk-in closet. The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas are ideal for entertaining, filled with natural light from an abundance of windows. The kitchen boasts white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a large island with seating, pantry storage, and timeless finishes. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening grill sessions on the inviting front patio, and take advantage of the oversized 2-car garage with ample storage space. The community offers a clubhouse and pool, and you’re just minutes from Great Plains Park, scenic walking trails, and all the shopping, dining, and entertainment at Southlands. Perfect for retirees, empty-nesters, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking an active, low-maintenance lifestyle, this home truly checks all the boxes. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Contact Shannon Fiala on Troy's team at 720-255-6853 with questions.

19/01/2026

Our friend Shelby Schulz at Sterling Real Estate has lowered the price to $1,055,000 for this accessible home.

Features include:
- Elevator
- 1150 sq ft primary
- Ramp
- Bathroom is accessible
- Kitchen is accessible

Call Shelby for details 303-359-9410.

12/01/2026

Happy Monday,

We have a lot of new followers here! Thank you!

Our mission is to improve housing access for individuals with disabilities in Colorado by bridging the gap between the real estate industry and the disability community through education, advocacy and financial support initiatives.

Meet Kendra Greeney, our board secretary! Kendra has big goals for us in 2026. One of her goals is for us to grow our social media. We are 4 followers short of 200 right now. Please share us with your friends and and family!

11/01/2026

“If we can launch a wheelchair user into space, surely we can find a way to let them in the door.”